In the year 70 BC, highborn Roman official Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger tries to solve two murders, the disembowelment of a foreign merchant and the garroting of an ex-gladiator, and an arson that were all committed in his district. Organised crime has an unbreakable hold on the city, and corruption, intrigues, and brutality run rampant, but these crimes seem much more than business as usual.
The book seems to be well researched and contains a wealth of information about the Rome of this particular time. Roberts explains food (deep-fried sow’s udder stuffed with Libyan mice anyone?), society, politics, slavery, religion, really anything one would want to know. Historical figures like Julius Caesar, Cicero, Pompey, or Crassus make appearances, and events like Lucullus’ conquering of the kingdom of Pontus play a role. Rome is not glorified, as the filth and stench are often mentioned, and also the danger of living there. All of this serves to bring the city to life in a realistic and gripping manner. Some liberties have been taken concerning historical facts, but it is a work of fiction after all.
Metellus himself is a likable character, although he is very much a typical Roman in his views and actions, for instance concerning war or slavery. He is also an idealist that is deeply concerned about the state of his beloved city, and he values conscientiousness and integrity. Where beautiful women are concerned, he can also be pretty stupid, but he acknowledges that about himself. The other characters are only moderately interesting, except for the well-known historical figures like Caesar or Cicero. The plot is fine, there is political intrigue and a far-reaching conspiracy attached to the murders, as well as some danger to our hero, but it’s nothing extraordinary, and I would argue that some events are too predictable by far.
Nonetheless, it’s a fun and engaging read, and informative about a long gone world that is rather alien with all its strange costums and rituals. It’s perfect for an afternoon on the couch, and I would read another in the series.
CBR11 Bingo: And So It Begins
(SPQR Roman Mysteries Book 1)